Forces should have procedures in relation to the maintenance and inspection of CEDs and cartridges. This should be documented in a standard operating procedure (SOP) that articulates the following:

In the case of the Taser 7 the data is automatically downloaded and any faults reported on docking the battery for recharging. The battery should be docked when required or every 30 days whichever comes sooner. Given this remote downloading and monitoring a Taser 7 should be inspected and a full function check conducted at least every 24 weeks by a competent person (i.e. technician or downloader).

In the best interests and wellbeing of the subject, or in the event of operational necessity, police officers trained in probe removal, minimum standards for forensic recovery and the associated risks, may carry out this procedure. Probes in particularly vulnerable areas (for example the eyes, head, neck or genitalia) should always be removed by medical professionals only, ideally in a hospital setting. If the officer considers there to be any additional risks associated with the removal of a probe, the matter should be referred to a medical professional.

Downloaded data needs to be retained in such a manner to provide a secure and credible audit trail of the activations from each CED. The information should be reviewed to allow for fault analysis and timely indications of improper or unaccounted use.

It is not practicable or possible to provide a definitive list of circumstances where a CED would be appropriate. The information and intelligence informing the decision to deploy an officer with a CED is significantly lower than that required to inform its use. A direction to deploy an officer with a CED to an incident should not be seen as an instruction to use the device, this remains a decision for the individual officer for which they remain accountable.

In the UK, the vast majority of times a CED is ‘used’ does not involve delivery of electrical discharge to a subject. When a discharge is required to be delivered, in most cases this is done by firing probes at the subject. To be effective in probe mode:

CEDs are fitted with torches or laser sights. Officers should consider the effects of their use during any contact with a subject.

In the case of the Taser X26, the five-second cycle is initiated by momentary pressure on the trigger. However, if pressure is maintained on the trigger the device will discharge until the trigger is released.

A specially trained officer (STO) is a police officer who has been selected, trained, accredited and authorised by their chief officer to carry a CED operationally.

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Taser should only be used as a proportionate response to an identified threat. It should not be used to simply gain compliance with instructions or procedures where compliance is not linked to such a threat, or where a threat has been reduced to such an extent that Taser use would no longer be proportionate.

The expected reaction of a person exposed to CED discharge in probe mode is loss of some voluntary muscle control accompanied by involuntary muscle contractions. During the discharge the subject may:

As with any repeated use of force, officers should recognise the risk factors  associated with repeated or extended cycles.

Incident detail to show scene, weapons involved or available to subject, identification discs and officer locations, injuries to officer and subject, probe locations. The intention is to show as much of the incident in photographic or video detail as possible.

CEDs will only be issued to STOs who have successfully completed training in the use of the device in accordance with the relevant national curriculum, and who remain currently competent.

Checks that a CED is operating to the manufacturer’s specification can be conducted by Dstl if there is, or is suspected to be:

Scenario based training in the use of CEDs is conducted in a way that emphasises the precautions and considerations relevant to the risk factors above.

When a CED is to be carried in a holster, it is important that any retention mechanisms, and lanyards (where issued), are fitted properly and are in working order.

The PSNI continues to notify the Police Ombudsman’s Office about all firearms discharges, including Tasers. However, rather than automatically initiating an investigation, Police Ombudsman staff now conduct preliminary enquiries to assess whether a full investigation is necessary.

The CED single point of contact (SPOC) is responsible for ensuring that processes are in place for the review of Taser use.

CEDs for uniform overt use are yellow in colour and will be carried only on the wearer’s non-dominant side to avoid any confusion over the choice of weapon, and to avoid any public misconception of the nature of the type of weapon being carried.

CEDs are classified by the National Less Lethal Weapons Working Group as ‘work-related equipment’ (in the same way as firearms) and not as personal safety equipment (e.g. batons and irritant spray).

Further advice and support can be obtained from the Less Lethal Weapons secretariat in relation to the serviceability of CEDs.

The discharge of a CED is intended to mitigate the threat by temporarily incapacitating the individual, not solely to inflict severe pain or unnecessary suffering on another in the performance or purported performance of official duties (see ECHR Article 3).

The bespoke form should be completed as soon as possible, but in any case, within 24 hours of use. Completed forms should be submitted to the National Less Lethal Weapons Secretariat.

All occasions in which a CED is discharged (not drawn, aimed, arced or laser dotted) in Scotland should be referred to the relevant professional standards department (PSD) and then PIRC, who will review and then consider if an investigation is required.

The CED’s internal data logging system means the details of all activations can be downloaded or accessed via a computer. Taser X26 and X2 CEDs should be data downloaded and a full function check conducted at least every eight weeks by a competent person (such as a technician or downloader).

The information obtained is for medical, training and scientific purposes. The requirement for these additional bespoke forms is regularly reviewed as operational data is acquired. Once sufficient information has been captured, the requirement for the collection of the extra data will be removed.

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) should identify the default cartridge by role but give officers sufficient tactical flexibility to vary this when required.

The effective range at which it is likely that the two barbs will attach themselves to the subject may be a lesser distance.

In the case of the Taser X2 and Taser 7 (also referred to as T7), as configured for the UK, the five-second cycle is automatically terminated, regardless of whether continuous pressure is maintained on the trigger. Additional action is required from the officer to extend the cycle beyond the default five-seconds.

The duration of the initial discharge and any subsequent discharge must be proportionate, lawful, accountable and absolutely necessary (PLAN).

One of the biggest questions people have about Tasers is how they affect your body. While security tasers are a nonlethal solution that many police and security guards rely on, people are worried about the risk of injury and the lasting effects. So how damaging is a Taser? Can a Taser kill a human? Studies show that those concerns are unfounded. Serious injuries from an electric taser happen less than one percent of the time. With that being said, police officers, medical personnel, and any other bystanders should carefully assess someone recently tased to make sure there are no injuries.

The purpose of the CEDSTRA is to establish the operational requirements for STO capacity within the applicable force or region. The CEDSTRA will inform decisions to be made with regard to the appropriate:

They should give sufficient time for the warning to be heeded, unless to do so would unduly place any person at risk, or would be clearly inappropriate or pointless in the circumstances of the incident.

Only specific CED batteries and cartridges are authorised for use in the UK, as per the systems approach and Code of Practice. No other non-authorised CEDs, batteries or cartridges can be used for operational use and/or training. The authorised CEDs, batteries and cartridges must not be modified or altered in any way, unless it is a recognised method or specification, for example firmware updates, alteration of settings to the authorised specification, attaching labels in an approved fashion.

Close coordination and detailed planning between organisations is fundamental to successful multi-agency operations   and should normally be agreed at strategic command (gold) level or its equivalent level of management in the organisation concerned.

The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine provides guidance on the clinical effects of TASER® and managing those subjected to TASER® discharge, as well as information for GPs and hospital clinicians to use as appropriate.

Forces must refer all cases that meet the mandatory referral criteria for post incident investigations to the relevant Independent Investigative Authority (IIA). This includes the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) or Police Investigations Review Commission (PIRC) as appropriate to the force or agency concerned.

CED evaluation form (Taser 7 only), submit to relevant parties as indicated on the form. Complete use of force reporting in accordance with force policy.

Can a Taser cause paralysis? Yes, but the paralysis is only temporary, lasting for about five seconds or the amount of time the taser is actively stunning someone. Can being tased trigger a seizure? The likelihood of a Taser causing a seizure is very slim but it is possible.

STOs should carry out appropriate function checks in accordance with their training whenever the weapon is issued, to ensure that the device is working correctly.

The visual effect of the laser sight being directed at an individual may also have a deterrent effect. Officers should be aware that pointing or arcing a CED at an individual may represent a use of force.

Police forces formally record all uses of force and submit data in accordance with the Home Office Annual Data Requirement (ADR). This requires every officer to locally record all required information whenever they use force. This includes all CED use.

The electrical current of a security Taser is 50,000 volts, which is too low and too short to affect the heart’s muscles or cause unusual heart rhythms, even for those who have heart issues. Will a Taser stop a pacemaker? Many people fear that Tasers could damage medical equipment such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators, but electric stun gun studies have confirmed those are only rumors.

The CED single point of contact (SPOC) is responsible for reviewing, collating and recording all Taser 7 CED evaluation forms.

CEDs will not be routinely used to police public order or public safety events, but may be used as an option to respond to circumstances within the operation. The use of CED ranges from the physical presence of a drawn device through to the application of electrical discharge to a subject. Even before a CED is drawn, the mere visibility of an overtly carried holstered device may serve a deterrent value.

A CED is a less lethal weapon system designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject through use of an electrical current that temporarily interferes with the body’s neuromuscular system and produces a sensation of intense pain.

English and Welsh police forces are not required to refer all non-mandatory CED-related complaints to the IOPC. However, following high-profile CED cases, or where there are exceptional circumstances, forces should strongly consider referring the matter to the IIA voluntarily.

The Taser 7 has two cartridge types, close quarter and standoff. Recognising that most deployments occur at close range, logically most officers should load with close quarter cartridges for routine patrol and response use. However, based on knowledge of their specific role and deployment they may vary this as appropriate.

Including wires and probes complete, which may show range at which it has been used. Not to be spooled. Break wires, two to three inches from the probes, to preserve forensic integrity for future examination if required. Package probes in a suitable container.

Tasers are handheld devices that deliver short electrical pulses. Pulling the trigger releases two electrode wires that attach to the body and charges electric pulses into the muscles, causing muscle contractions. Generally, an electric taser will deliver 19 short pulses over 5 seconds with an average current of 2 milliamps. As one of the best defense products, tasers will incapacitate someone without causing them permanent harm.

Protection is provided to officers who use the CED and to those on whom it is used, as the data is recorded by the device on each occasion that it is discharged.

CEDs are classified as ‘prohibited weapons’ by virtue of section 5 of the Firearms Act 1968. Police officers, while acting in their capacity as such, are exempt from the requirements of the legislation and do not need any additional legal authority to possess CEDs.

Incidents where subjects are already contained or restrained may be subject to closer scrutiny or interest. Any medical risk may be increased the longer or more often the device is discharged.

Once the probes have been removed, they must be secured as evidence and any injury or damage should be noted. Probes removed from the body should be considered as a biohazard. Suitable evidential containers need to be readily available for the removed probes, which must then be examined to ensure they are complete. Incomplete probes may indicate that part of the probe has remained in the subject. Medical professionals should be advised if this is the case.

In order to consider the safety of other people, officers should communicate that they are using a CED by clearly stating ‘Taser, Taser’, indicating that it is being discharged. However, there may be specific reasons why this warning may be clearly inappropriate or unnecessary in the circumstances.

All police forces and police and crime commissioners have a responsibility to monitor use of CED, together with the nature and volume of complaints received and, where necessary, to take appropriate action. The national arrangements for referral of CED use and complaints is set out as follows.

Where justifiable, ‘direct contact’ (‘drive stun’) mode may be used, but this will not achieve muscular incapacitation. With the Taser X2 and Taser 7, ‘direct contact’ can be achieved with the unused cartridges on, off or after one or both have been expended.

Each model of CED is subject to specific modules of learning. Training records and the authorisation of officers to carry CEDs should clearly identify which device they are authorised and competent to carry.

The IOPC have stated that the police use of CED is an area of considerable public interest and concern and that they and other IIA organisations will continue to monitor and maintain oversight of its use, and share learning arising from any cases that they are involved with.

In these circumstances everyone involved must understand who is in command of each part of the operation. Command protocols may be a useful means of clarifying this.

Taser discharges will now only be subject to a full investigation in cases where the Police Ombudsman is of the view that an investigation is required in the public interest.

Conducted energy devices are commonly referred to as Taser. However, police forces should recognise that TASER® is a brand name and registered trade mark for one brand of CED.

A use of force form should be completed as soon as practicable on every occasion where a CED is used. Forms should be submitted as indicated on the form.

Forces are required to produce an annual CEDSTRA. The CEDSTRA will be reviewed at least every six months but should be continually monitored and utilised to inform CED capability and capacity in response to local regional and national developments and requirements.

In certain circumstances it may be appropriate to provide a visual display of the sparking effect of the CED (‘arcing’ or ‘arc display’), which may have a deterrent effect. Unlike the Taser X2 and Taser 7, the Taser X26 must be temporarily unloaded to facilitate this.

At the earliest opportunity following arrival at the custody suite, a detainee who has been subjected to a CED discharge should be given an appropriate information leaflet describing the CED, its mode of operation and effects. This leaflet should be fully explained.

The CED SPOC is required to clarify any information on the form and disseminate any updates and learning to staff in their own force.

The cycle can be repeated or extended if the required incapacitation does not appear to take effect and if the further use of force is justified and proportionate in the circumstances. Officers should review other options as there may be technical or physiological reasons why the device is not working as expected on a particular individual (the National Decision Model should be used).

Some models of CED can be configured in different ways by altering the device’s settings. Not all settings are authorised for use in the UK. Only authorised device settings should be used.

Additionally, completion of a separate bespoke form is required after the introduction into service of any new device. Currently, forms are required for all types of use of the Taser 7.

CEDs should not be stored alongside pyrotechnics, ammunition, specialist munitions or flammable products. Chief officers should ensure that there is provision for storing CEDs as section 5 Firearms Act 1968 prohibited weapons.

Using specific proprietary software, the relevant data can be downloaded from a Taser X26 or X2 to a computer via the dataport. In the case of the Taser 7, the data is automatically downloaded upon docking the battery for recharging. See dataport auditing.

When an electric taser hits someone, it sends a signal to the muscles that cause a state known as neuromuscular incapacitation. This state causes your muscles to flex, making it difficult to make any voluntary movements. This quick incapacitating power is one of the main reasons electric Tasers are an effective defense product. Although muscle contractions can be very painful, they don’t have any lasting impacts.

It is possible for there to be some complications to the nervous system including loss of consciousness, falling leading to head injury, or confusion, especially if they are shot at a short distance or in the head. Out of these possibilities, the most likely to occur is confusion. Being tased is a disorientating experience, so it’s very possible someone who’s been recently tased may have trouble remembering short-term memories and processing information.

Persons subjected to a CED discharge should be examined by an FME. Details of injury and any aftercare needed – for example, as provided to the custody staff – should be available when required.

If an officer believes that a person on whom CED discharge has been applied has a cardiac pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator or other electronic implanted device, immediate referral should be made to hospital.

All CED users need to have an appreciation of the physical and psychological effects of these devices. All CED users will receive full training and assessment in accordance with the relevant CED training curriculum.

Loss of posture and resulting falls could result in head injury, either from the subject’s head hitting the ground or from collision with nearby rigid objects (for example tables, chairs or walls). The fall may result in secondary injuries or being exposed to other risks. There may be further risk if the subject falls while in possession of a bladed weapon or other sharp object.

Use in probe mode, with sufficient probe spread on the subject, predominately relies on physiological effects, other than pain alone, to achieve this effect.

Where serious injury or death has occurred and a less lethal weapon has been used, Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons (SACMILL) must be advised. This referral should be carried out by the force or agency’s Professional Standards Department via email to: [email protected].

In other countries, confusion over weapon selection in a dynamic situation has led to death and serious injury from mistaken use of conventional firearms.

The Taser X2 and Taser 7 may be used to achieve incapacitation in ‘three point contact’ mode (one probe and two contacts).

In any situation where a CED is discharged, appropriate post-use procedures should be implemented depending on the nature of the injury or harm caused. Every use will warrant, where possible, consideration of minimum standard forensic retrieval.

The term ‘deployed’ means that an officer has been tasked to an incident by a supervisor trained in the use of the National Decision Model (NDM).

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It is recommended that forces have an appropriate ‘post use pack’ readily available, that contains the above items for evidential recovery, along with PPE (gloves) and antiseptic wipes for probe removal, an aide memoire in relation to post use (including the evaluation checklist below), CED information leaflets, and for Taser 7, the cartridge shipping cover to aid probe removal. The T7 cartridge shipping cover, if it has been used to remove probes that have penetrated the body, should also be treated as a biohazard.

The minimum contact time for initial training is 18 hours. There will follow a minimum 6 hours per annum of refresher training. Annual refresher packages are strictly controlled to ensure that users receive the relevant updates and training. Officers can be authorised for no longer than 12 months from the date of their last period of CED training and assessment.

All forces and agencies must appoint a CED single point of contact (SPOC) to receive and evaluate all CED evaluation forms prior to them being submitted to relevant parties as indicated on the form.

Sometimes a chief officer agrees to assist another law enforcement agency or other public service agency with an operation that is within their force area, and the appropriate command decision to deploy CED is given.

In the case of the Taser 7 the cartridge shipping cover is designed to aid probe removal. Forces should ensure that the cartridge shipping cover is available to medical professionals to aid probe removal, should they require it. This includes where probe removal may occur in a hospital setting.

Two or three discs to confirm cartridge serial number. These are projected randomly in probe mode and will not show trajectory.

Similarly, if the subject is found to have any other pre-existing medical condition that could be considered to increase their risk of a serious adverse medical event, immediate referral to a hospital should be considered.

CEDs are primarily designed to be laser-sighted and use cartridges attached to a cartridge bay located at the front of the device. When the trigger is activated the cartridges eject a pair of probes attached to insulated wires. This mode of use is termed ‘probe mode’. When the two probes make contact with the subject, the device delivers an electrical discharge that lasts for five seconds. This cycle can be stopped, extended or repeated.

An electric Taser can incapacitate someone for as long as its electrical cycle lasts, typically around 5 seconds. People usually recover immediately and feel no residual side effects, but it’s important to keep an eye on them afterward to make sure that there was no injury for at least 20 minutes afterward.

The Taser X26 device may be used to achieve incapacitation in ‘angled drive stun’ mode with a spent cartridge fitted. Where justifiable, ‘direct contact’ mode (directly referred to as drive stun) without a cartridge (or an expended cartridge attached) could be used, but this will only produce localised pain and will not achieve muscular incapacitation.

The most common way being tased has been described is that it feels like a Charlie horse cramp. Everyone experiences it in different ways though, some more severe than others.

CEDs have an internal data logging system that, depending on the model, records various parameters of use. This can be summarised as follows.

As soon as practicable after arrival at the custody suite, all arrested persons who have been subjected to CED discharge must be examined by a specially trained healthcare professional (HCP) working in General Forensic Medicine. For standards for relevant HCPs see APP detention and custody, medical assessment.

The carriage of a CED does not, in itself, constitute a use of force. However, when a CED is ‘used’ the officer in possession is both legally and organisationally accountable.

Where local good practice has been identified, or where enhancements to (or issues with) CED training have been identified, this should be communicated to the College of Policing so that good practice identified at a local level may be assessed and, where appropriate, cascaded nationally and incorporated into any revised training.

Where SPOCs identify operational learning that may be of value to others, contact should be made with the College of Policing in order that it may be evaluated and, where appropriate, disseminated and/or incorporated into the CED training curriculum.

Forces should consider the availability of evidence collection equipment, including cameras/body worn video and appropriate packaging. In the case of the Taser 7 the cartridge shipping cover is designed to aid probe removal  and should be readily available.

In order to avoid any confusion over the choice of weapon, and to avoid any public misconception of the nature of the type of weapon being carried, CEDs for uniform and/or overt use should:

The CED may be deployed and used as one of a number of tactical options only after application of the NDM. It should be readily available, and once deployed, normal supervision practices will apply.

Yes, when the electric wires fire they penetrate the skin. This is where the most common Taser injuries result from. The metal probes can cause minor puncture wounds or superficial burns, especially if the barbs aren’t pulled off immediately afterward. Scrapes are also common if the person who was tased convulsed uncontrollably and scratched themselves.

CEDs will be carried in a clip, holster or carriage system, in accordance with the user’s training, so as to avoid any confusion over the selection and use of lethal and less lethal weapons. CEDs may be other colours commensurate with covert carriage.

The maximum range of the device is determined by the length of the wires that carry the current and attach the probes to the weapon. For each device it is currently as follows:

If both probes attach to the subject’s skin or clothing correctly with sufficient spread, the effects are likely to be almost instantaneous. The muscle incapacitating effect is only likely to last while the electrical charge is being delivered. The subject may recover immediately afterwards and could continue with their previous behaviour. An incapacitated subject must therefore be controlled quickly and effectively.

Probes that have penetrated the skin should normally be removed by a medical professional at the scene, at a hospital or in the custody suite. This is principally because of the:

Are you thinking of investing in a Taser for your personal safety or the protection of your family? You may have heard about Tasers, how powerful they are, and what they can do — but do you really know what happens when someone is hit by an electric Taser? From short-term effects to possible long-term consequences – knowing what you’re dealing with can make all the difference when assessing the risks vs rewards associated with using a security Taser.

Operational use is reviewed at regular intervals by Dstl and SACMILL on behalf of the NLLW WG. The College of Policing contribute to this process to ensure that emerging issues are properly reflected in training and operational guidance.

CEDs should be carried in a holster, clip, or carriage system. Police forces or agencies should evaluate such systems and ensure they are fit for purpose for the role undertaken. Holsters and carriage systems used by the police service should be suitable for the task and the environment in which the CED is being carried. The holster should: